Unbeaten heavyweight phenomenon Tyson Fury has already set his sights on the man he hopes will be his next opponent. The 6 feet 8 ½ inch 20 year old is scheduled for his third pro fight in Norwich on February 28th when he appears on the undercard of local hero, Jon Thaxton’s first defence of his European Lightweight title, promoted by Hennessy Sports.
However it’s another Norfolk man that is occupying Fury’s thoughts at the moment. “I’d love to fight Sam Sexton in Norwich,” said Fury. “He’s a local lad and I believe he’s always complaining that he never gets to fight at home, so I’d love to give him that opportunity.” (For the record, Sexton has previously boxed on Hennessy shows before appearing on rival promoter Frank Warren’s bills in more recent times – Ed)
Fury is coming off an impressive stoppage win over Marcel Zeller earlier this month. The German entered the ring having won 21 of his 24 pro fights with 20 of those wins coming by KO but he found Fury too hot to handle.
Sexton also has a decent resume having lost just once in his 12 pro fights and he also won the Prizefighter tournament last September but Fury isn’t impressed. “His record isn’t as impressive as Zeller’s so it might be a bit of step down but it would still be a good fight for the people of Norwich. He just won the Southern Area title and I think that’s about his limit.” (Sexton’s record is nowhere near as padded as Zeller’s and he’s fought decent opposition so this would definitely be a step up for Fury – Ed)
“If I can’t beat the likes of Sexton I’ve no business talking about World titles so that’s why I want to fight him now. I don’t want people saying that I’m just all talk like some of the other prospects out there. I want to walk the walk as well.”
Promoter Mick Hennessy is hoping that Sexton will take up the challenge “It’s a great chance for Sam to fight in his hometown in a significant fight so hopefully he will step up to the plate.” (While undoubtedly an intriguing contest, one wonders what Sexton would be gaining by beating a 2-0 heavyweight? The Norwich man is on the verge of an English or British title opportunity and is chasing a rematch with fellow prospect Derek Chisora, the only man to defeat him to date – Ed).
Tickets for Tyson next fight on the undercard of Jon Thaxton’s European Title Defence at the Norfolk Showground, Norwich on the 28th February are available from the Ticketline box office on 0871 424 4444 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
January 27, 2009 at 11:43 am |
Fury looked a lot leaner in the last fight and let’s hope he keeps that going cos there’s still a lot of work he needs to do to harden up that body. But if he does then a fitter, faster more mobile Fury is definitely a prospect.
If he’s serious about making his way on the British scene (which he must do before he looks further afield) then he needs to be fighting guys like Sexton early on, just as he’s looking to do. I’d also like to see him fight Matthew Ellis cos he’s been in with both Audley and Enzo and that’d give us a good indicator of how good Fury is. After that i’d like to see him taking on the likes of Scott Gammer and having genuine tough fights before a showdown with Chisora (if he’s still unbeaten) then step up to meet Williams/Rogan/Skelton. That’d see him reach the 15/20 fight mark as a British and probabaly European champion. And only then is it time to think about people like Ruiz and Chagaev.
If any of that actually happens Pigs will probably be flying.